Firing on Robert Fico: Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was injured in a shooting and taken to hospital. According to media channel station TA3, the incident occurred in the city of Handlova, about 150 kilometers north-east of the capital. A suspect has been detained in this case.
Suspect detained
The shooter attacked Fico in front of the local House of Culture when he was meeting his supporters. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lubos Blaha confirmed the incident during a session of Parliament. According to Reuters report, multiple gunshots were heard and police were seen taking a person into custody.
Slovakia’s President condemned the attack
Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova condemned the incident, calling it a brutal attack on the prime minister. President Caputova said, “I am shocked. I wish Robert Fico strength at this important time and a speedy recovery from this attack. My condolences to his family and close people,” President Caputova said, according to the AP report.
Utterly shocked by today’s brutal attack on #Slovakia‘s Prime Minister Robert Fico, which I condemn in the strongest possible terms.
I wish him a lot of strength in this critical moment and early recovery. My thoughts are also with his family and close ones.
— Zuzana Čaputova (@ZuzanaCaputova) May 15, 2024
Prime Minister shot in the stomach
59-year-old Prime Minister Robert Fico was fired upon in front of the local House of Culture, in which he was also shot in the stomach. Fico, who became Prime Minister for the third time, and his leftist Smar (Direction) party won the parliamentary elections of Slovakia on September 30. This victory marked Fico’s political comeback. He campaigned on a pro-Russian and anti-American message.